Movie theaters are set for a major boost this weekend as “Wicked: For Good” is projected to earn a towering sum. This is especially good news for exhibitors, who did not see a single blockbuster hit in October or most of November.
According to Variety, the film is expected to bring in $150M–$180M over the opening weekend from 4,000+ screens—an incredible launch following a rough fall at the box office. By comparison, last year’s “Wicked” earned $112M over the same period.
If the sequel reaches the higher end of that range, it could claim the year’s biggest opening, surpassing “A Minecraft Movie” ($162M), “Lilo & Stitch” ($146M), and “Superman” ($125M).
Both ‘Wicked’ movies were produced by Universal and shot back-to-back in 2023, costing a combined $300M, not including the sizable marketing budgets. The first instalment grossed $758M worldwide, and despite more lukewarm reviews for the sequel, it’s likely to exceed that total.
Still no distributor for "Bucking Fastard," "Alpha Gang," "The Last Photograph," "Closing Night," and "The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd." The issue seems to be quality more than a lack of willingness to buy.